Exploring Catholic Social Teaching

Lesson Plan
Materials
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Handout A: Note-Taking Aid
Teacher Resource: Christ Our
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Blank paper, colored pencils,
markers
Teacher
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Optional: Computers/iPads
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Saint Cards
DAY ONE
Warm-Up
In an interactive discussion where you allow students to jump in with answers as you speak, go over
the meaning of the New Commandment. For example:
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God is love. Jesus gave us the New Commandment to love who? One another.
Should we love our neighbor as long as he is not annoying us, or as long as he looks the same
as we do, or as long as we feel lovingly towards him? No.
How does Jesus commands to love one another? As He has loved us.
Activity
A. Explain that Jesus’ earthly ministry is full of examples of what it means to love one another. If
we imitate Jesus, we are building His Kingdom in the world. This is what we are called to do as
Christians. The Works of Mercy are essential to the Christian life.
B. Read Matthew 25:31-46 as students follow along in their Bibles.
C. Prepare to read the passage aloud again, and this time give students a copy of Handout A: Note-
Taking Aid.
D. Have students write down the Corporal Works of Mercy as you read.
E. Discuss how, since each human being has dignity as the image and likeness of God, when we
help or do not help someone, we are helping or ignoring Christ.
F. Students might wrongly object that “not helping” is not an action and therefore cannot be
sinful. Have a brief discussion about acts of omission — if you choose not to help someone, you
are in fact choosing to ignore him.
Formative Assessment
Have students respond to the questions on the bottom of Handout A: Note-Taking Aid.
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